The Alhambra was so called because of its reddish walls (in Arabic, («qa'lat al-Hamra'» means Red Castle).

Before visiting this monument, we decide to have an overview from a vantage point on a nearby hilltop.

We relax with refreshing fruit smoothies, admiring the sweeping view and listening to guitar music played by gypsies...

On a hill overlooking Granada, the Alhambra—a citadel that includes the royal residence, the court and official chambers, water basins, a bath, and a mosque—was built in the 13th century by the founder of the Nasrid dynasty, and was continued by his successors

It's a masterpiece of Moorish artistry:  archs, slender columns, arcades and fountains. It transports you to a distant and romantic era...  You get the feeling that you are plunged in a tale from the 1001 Nights...

After a hearty breakfast of fresh squeezed orange juice, coffee and Spanish style toasts with cheese and serrano ham, we head toward the Alhambra.

We start by the Palacio de Carlos V within the Alhambra citadel, with its strong and masculine columns and lines. Apparently it is now the occasional venue of concerts and spectacles.

From the top of the Alcazaba which is the fortress and military headquarters for the Nasrid dynasty, built on the highest point of the hill to defend the royal family, there is a sweeping view of Granada. 

We then proceed to The Hall of the Abencerrajes, in front of the Sala de Dos Hermanas). It is so called because as legend has it, the Abencerrajes knights were beheaded by the Sultan as one of them had a tryst with the sultana. There is a rust stain covering part of the marble fountain which is said to be a bloodstain from the Abencerrajes knights. 

The painstakingly detailed sculptures and inscriptions on the walls, doors, ceilings are just exquisite, many arabic inscriptions represent verses from the Koran or from Islamic poetry.

We admire the chambers richly decorated with arabesques and calligraphy, geometrical patterns, in the Mudejar style, which is in a way western elements translated into Islamic forms.

The porticoes have semicircular arches, with plaster pierced panels. Over the south porticoe are two floors, one with seven wooden lattice window.

The Comares Palace is the main part of the palace as it used to be the residence of the Sultan and where the throne was located.

We are in awe of the details of the ornamental relief and the exquisite workmanship...

We enjoy taking a break from time to time, just to absorb the infinite beauty and enjoy the serenity of the gardens, with the soothing rustling of the water fountain...

This patio seems like a perfect spot for a rest and to take in the beauty of the citadel...

As we pause and rest at different locations, many visitors ask to photograph us, we wonder if we should feel flattered or are we viewed as a curiosity because of our coordinated black & white outfits and straw hats?

After touring the Palace, we make our way to the Generalife. This is the summer  palace of the Sultana. Legends has it that this the rendez vous place between her and her lover from the Abencerrajes clan.  After they were discovered, the  jealous Sultan ordered the execution   of the entire clan

The Generalife is the most charming part of the Alhambra, thanks to its gardens and its Courtyard of the Water Channel.

In Moorish times, the long wall facing the Alhambra was unbroken by windows except for the central balcony where the Sultan looked over his palace and enjoy the evening breeze.

The perfect beauty of the Alhambra has left a lasting impression on all of us...

Our wonderful visit draws to an end... We are marveled at such beauty and rich culture

How heart breaking it must have been for the last ruling sultan to lose the Alhambra after hundreds of centuries of domination to the Spanish sovereigns. As legend has it, as he rode away, on the hilltop, the Sultan turned around to have a last look at the Citadel and cried with bitter regret. His mother then looked at him derisively and said, “You weep like a woman for a kingdom that you could not defend like a man.”